Senator Ossoff’s Town Hall Attack on Trump Sparks White-House Retort

Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) Ossoff referenced Trump’s prior threat to imprison Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and five other lawmakers who urged service members to disregard “unlawful orders.” The remarks drew applause from the audience and prompted an immediate response from the White House.

The Hill

Last year, President Trump publicly warned that lawmakers who advocated for service-member dissent could be charged with “seditious behavior from traitors.” He singled out Sen. Kelly, a decorated combat veteran, naval aviator, astronaut and space-shuttle commander, suggesting they might face imprisonment for their statements. The threat has been cited by Democrats as evidence of the president’s antagonism toward elected officials who challenge his military policies.

The Hill

When pressed by reporters, President Trump dismissed Ossoff as “Pee-wee Herman,” a reference to the comedy character portrayed by Paul Reubens.

The Hill

• “I don’t think anything illustrates the times more aptly than the draft-dodging crook president, who has plunged our nation recklessly into a war he knows not how to end or to win, tried to imprison this man,” — Sen. Jon Ossoff

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• “Instead of denigrating hard working people serving their country, Jon should look deep into his soul and ask himself why he’s a miserable person who hates this country,” — Steven Cheung, house communications director

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• “It’s because he’s a radical, extremist Dumocrat.” — President Trump, tuesday accused president

The Hill

These exchanges illustrate the heightened partisan rhetoric surrounding the president’s handling of the war and his confrontations with members of Congress.

The Hill